King's Disease II

Lore & Background

Nas announced the album along with its title, cover art, and release date on July 29, 2021. He shared the tracklist on August 3, 2021. The first single off the album is "Rare", released with a music video directed by Savannah Setten. The album debuted at number-three on the US Billboard 200, becoming Nas's highest-charting album in nine years, and his 15th top 10 entry on the chart. It also debuted at number-one on both US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart selling 56,000 total album-equivalent units within its first week of release. King's Disease II's first-week sales number topped the sales of its predecessor, which sold over 47,000 copies and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in Canada and Switzerland, becoming Nas' highest-charting album in the latter region.

Reader's Guide

The album features guest appearances from Eminem, EPMD, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, YG, Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Blxst, JaboodyDubs and Hit-Boy. It was executive produced by Nas and Hit-Boy. The track "YKTV" features additional voices by Justin Davison of Jaboody Dubs/Jaboody Show from Youtube and Twitch. "The Pressure" and "Death Row East" feature additional vocals by Don Toliver. "40 Side" features additional vocals by Lil Baby. "Composure" features uncredited vocals by Shaka Senghor. "My Bible" features uncredited vocals by Nipsey Hussle. "EPMD 2" is a remix version from the soundtrack Judas and the Black Messiah. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 86, based on 10 reviews. The album received a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

Did You Know?

• It sold 56,000 total album-equivalent units in its first week, topping the first-week sales of its predecessor King's Disease.
• The first single "Rare" was released with a music video directed by Savannah Setten.